Soil Health Awareness - Unlock the Secrets in the Soil

As world population and food production demands rise, keeping our soil healthy and productive is of paramount importance. So much so that we believe improving the health of our Nation’s soil is one of the most important conservation endeavors of our time.

The resources on this soil health section of our site are designed to help visitors understand the basics and benefits of soil health—and to learn about Soil Health Management Systems from farmers who are using those systems.

Don’t have time to sit down at a computer to hear from other farmers, ranchers and researchers about soil health topics? No problem. Load your audio device with these podcasts and listen when you’re driving in your pickup, tractor or combine. Check out the menu, and pick up an order of soil health audio “to go.”

Soil Health Quiz

USDA-NRCS – Are you a “Soil Health Scholar?” Find out with our new, on-line quiz!

Healthy soil is fundamental to life. But how much do you really know about it? This fun, 10-question quiz will challenge your knowledge, and will help you discover your soil health I.Q. And, anyone who plays can print out a graduation certificate upon completion. Find out if you’re a “Soil Health Scholar,” a “Soil Healthy Smarty-Pants” or if you “Love the Soil.”

This is one test we think you’ll really dig! Take the quiz . And then share your results with your friends and followers on Facebook or Twitter. It’s fun and informative

Soil Health Across the Nation

A growing number of America’s farmers are using soil health management systems to improve the health and function of their soil—and we’re working hand-in-hand with these producers through our technical and financial assistance programs and services to help ensure their success. Click hereto use the interactive map and find out what’s happening in your state regarding soil health and learn more about some of the farmers who are unlocking the secrets in the soil.

Soil Health Announcements

90 seconds to discover a new “Hope in healthy soil”Web ad points to promising global solutions under foot

To most people, soil is far from huggable.

But after watching a new, 90-second YouTube ad, the video’s producers hope viewers will embrace it with new-found respect and admiration. Because healthy soil, the ad suggests, could provide solutions to some of our planet’s biggest challenges.

Soil Health Publications

Cycle, re-cycle, repeat: Carbon’s journey through the soil powers life as we know it

As global temperatures rise, there’s growing interest in getting carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) out of the atmosphere and getting carbon into the soil.

But what form does that carbon take and how, exactly, does the cycling process work? In the first episode of season three’s The Science of Soil Health, Dr. Will Brinton provides a brief, yet holistic explanation about this living and life-giving process. After you watch this four-minute video, you’ll never think of the soil carbon cycle the same way again.